Indian Super League (ISL) side East Bengal FC delivered a spirited performance but ultimately fell short, losing 3-2 to Turkmenistan's FC Altyn Asyr in their AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Round match at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Wednesday.

East Bengal FC initially took the lead through David Lalhlansanga, but FC Altyn Asyr came back strongly, establishing a two-goal advantage. Saul Crespo’s goal revived hopes of a comeback, yet despite their best efforts, Carles Cuadrat’s team couldn't overcome the deficit.

This defeat ended East Bengal FC's chances of advancing to the group stages of the AFC Champions League Two, Asia’s premier second-tier men’s club competition. However, they will continue to play in the AFC Challenge League, a third-tier club competition. 

East Bengal FC took the lead when Nandhakumar Sekar evaded his marker and delivered a cross into the box for Lalhlansanga. Lalhlansanga stooped to head the ball towards goal, but his effort was saved by the goalkeeper. The ball rebounded off the woodwork and returned to play. The forward seized the opportunity as the defenders failed to clear the ball, slotting it home.

FC Altyn Asyr quickly responded, with Myrat Annayev collecting a long ball and volleying it into the left corner, leaving East Bengal FC keeper  Prabhsukhan Gill helpless. 

With the momentum now in their favour, FC Altyn Asyr continued to dominate possession and create chances. They extended their lead with a free-kick from Selim Nurmyradov, who curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, again leaving Gill a mere spectator.

In the second half, East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat made two substitutions, bringing on Dimitrios Diamantakos and Jeakson Singh. The hosts began to assert themselves, with Diamantakos getting into promising positions and posing a threat.

Despite their renewed efforts, Altyn Asyr created another opportunity. Annayev received a cross and attempted to score from a narrow angle, but Gill managed to stop the attempt. However, Mihail Titov was on hand at the far post to tap in the rebound.

The goal quietened the crowd, but East Bengal FC responded swiftly within seven minutes. Saul Crespo made a dazzling effort, dribbling past three players and then beat another player before curling his shot into the far corner.

East Bengal FC continued to apply pressure and nearly had their efforts rewarded when substitute Cleiton Silva found the back of the net late into the game. 

However, his goal was disallowed. From a corner, Diamantakos flicked the ball towards goal, which was collected by the goalkeeper. The referee ruled out Silva’s subsequent attempt, deeming he had forcefully kicked the ball from the goalkeeper’s grasp into the net.

East Bengal FC will now turn their focus to the Durand Cup as they face arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their final group stage game. 

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